In a strategic move aimed at fostering competition and enhancing cricket quality, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled an extensive domestic cricket structure for the 2023-24 season. Eight regional sides and eight department teams will engage in separate first-class tournaments, promising a level playing field and optimal utilization of talent.
The revamped domestic framework, meticulously designed by the PCB Cricket Technical Committee, chaired by former cricket legends Misbah ul Haq and Mohammad Hafeez, is a result of thorough consultations with various stakeholders. Regional presidents and department representatives were actively engaged to ensure a collaborative approach.
The men’s cricket season is set to kick off on September 10 with the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, featuring top regional teams in a single-league format. This will be followed by the President’s Trophy, where the top eight departments will compete from December 15. The champions of these single-league tournaments will emerge as the table toppers.
The 18 regional sides will be divided into two categories: the premier first-class tournament Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and the non first-class four-day tournament Hanif Mohammad Trophy. The allocation of teams is based on their standings in the 2018-19 season, as per the directives of the PCB’s Patron-in-chief, who is also the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches will be hosted by Abbottabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, while the Hanif Mohammad Trophy will be divided into two groups, with matches hosted by Faisalabad, Islamabad, and Multan.
In addition, the departmental cricket model, which was previously eliminated in the 2019 PCB constitution, has been reintroduced successfully. Over 40 teams have registered to participate in this renewed circuit, demonstrating the enthusiasm and interest from various quarters.
The President’s Trophy, a first-class tournament, will feature eight departments – SNGPL, SSGC, WAPDA, KRL, PTV, NBP, and State Bank – based on their standings in the 2018-19 season. The eighth team will be announced later. This tournament is scheduled to take place from 15 December in Karachi.
Moreover, Patron’s Trophy grade-II and grade-III will run concurrently across the country in January and February 2024, providing an opportunity for teams to earn promotions and avoid relegation.
A unique stipulation requires every regional team to include at least one player under 21 years of age in their playing XI and a minimum of two such players in their 30-player squad, promoting the development of emerging talent through PCB’s age-group program.
Director of Domestic Cricket Operations (A) Junaid Zia praised the collaborative effort that led to the new structure. He emphasized that the segregation of regions and departments into different tournaments aims to provide better earning opportunities for players through separate contracts and more matches. The inclusion of U13, U16, and U19 tournaments will ensure the nurturing of young talent from an early age.
The white-ball cricket arena will also witness action, with regional sides competing in the Pakistan Cup and the bottom 10 teams taking part in the Hanif Mohammad Cup. The National T20 tournament will feature all 18 regional teams.
As part of this comprehensive pathway, age group cricketers will have clear opportunities to progress, with regional U13, U16, and U19 tournaments focusing on honing their skills at various levels.
The season promises an exciting blend of competition, development, and earning prospects, reflecting PCB’s dedication to elevating Pakistan’s cricket ecosystem to new heights.
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